In
growing older we can look back and remember the foolishness of our youth. Where we may have done or believed things
that were incorrect simply because we didn’t know any better. I can see how 1960’s television influenced my
understanding of life and wrongly taught me that some people could wiggle their
noses and make things happen. How the family next door could be made up of
unusual human like beings, each one unique, with one who was actually built and
married to a female vampire. In that
household the normal one was abnormal to the family. Adults at that time would say this was purely
entertainment, but to me, as a child, it seemed rather believable. I bring this up because as we grow older and
pursue God through his word we face regular dilemmas between human ideas and
human merchandising. What seems
palatable at first glance can turn out to be poison. I am reminded of a very sad group of men who
call themselves messiah believers, who teach deceptions such as men are allowed
to have mistresses, or that polygamy is an acceptable lifestyle. You may not have heard of them, but I have,
and am saddened that they have followers. What started out as a “roots” type
movement became distorted, and now bears the responsibility of destroying
marriages and families! What I once thought was a good study subject has been
distorted by men who are simply merchandising people. What is merchandising of people? People are
objects, like merchandise, to be amassed or acquired and not humans to be loved
and honored. Then the merchandise is put under legalism to require regular
payment to support the merchandiser. The
more humans one amasses to give money the better one does. Not all people
follow these false teachers but those who do are very deceived. So how does one go from a child-like
understanding to deception? What do we
have to do to grow up? Firstly, we have to be aware that there are some out for
gain. They simply don’t care about
anyone else as long as they receive money.
But something else that we need to look at in our maturing is an
allegorical understanding, verses a literal understanding.
The
conclusion that the mature believers eventually come to in life is that the Bible
needs to be taken more literally than figuratively. In figurative biblical study, the wind can
blow in any direction and any man with a convincing argument can distort the Bible
to say what he wants for his own purposes. This is how teachings of mistresses
and polygamy by so called rabbis enter in. However, if the Bible is taken literally, we
actually find more treasure inherent within itself, which is not dependent on a
man’s interpretation. To give credence
to every word, and like an auditor, placing each word in its proper place, we
find amazing accuracy to the God breathed word.
If we listen to the allegories, we miss the accuracy of God. If we remember, last week I touched on not
turning back, as the connotations of going back are negative in the Bible, but
that God is always moving or looking ahead.
The problem we humans have is that we have to look back to see how
incredibly accurate God is. That is our
trap. If we see the accuracy of the past, and how it played out, we somehow
believe we have to go back to living in the past. Yet God told us he was making a new
covenant. We touched on this last week
from Hebrews. The problem in “new” is
that there is no sure path. This is
where relationship comes in, so that we can follow by personal revelation
rather than follow down a path that someone 3,000 years ago followed. Let’s look at Hebrews.
Heb
5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.13 For every one that
useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14 But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of
use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.KJV
In
order not to be unskilled in righteousness let’s study the New Covenant. We
have been enrolled in heaven along with the angels, and the assembly of the
called out, who are the first born though Jesus, the one who reconciled the new
covenant by his blood.
Heb
12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,23 To the
general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and
to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,24 And to
Jesus the mediator of the new covenant [1242], and to the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel.KJV
Covenant NT:1242 diatheke (dee-ath-ay'-kay); from NT:1303;
properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a contract (especially a devisory
will):KJV - covenant, testament.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
In
actuality Jesus spoke of this new covenant, or testament, before he was offered
up. The problem lies with our
understanding. We may read words that we apply to our own understanding, but in
fact the Bible may have a different meaning of those words. Covenant
is one of them as this word is sometimes translated testament. Let’s look at Dictionary.com’s definitions of testament
and covenant.
tes·ta·ment
[tes-tuh-muhnt] noun
1. Law .a. a will, especially one that relates to the disposition of one's personal property. b.will2 ( def. 8 ) .
2. Either of the two major portions of the Bible: the Mosaic or
old covenant or dispensation, or the Christian or new
covenant or dispensation.
4. ( initial capital letter ) a copy of the New Testament.
5. a covenant, especially between God and humans.
cov·e·nant
[kuhv-uh-nuhnt] noun
1. An agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons
to do or not do something specified.
2. Law . an incidental clause in such an agreement.
3. Ecclesiastical . a solemn agreement between the members of
a church to act together in harmony with the precepts ofthe gospel.
5. Bible .a. the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as
revealed in Scripture.
b.The agreement between God and the ancient Israelites,in which God promised to protect them if they kept Hislaw and were faithful to Him.
From
Strong’s concordance we can see that covenant
is a strong word denoting a contract. In
our modern mindset we do not see a testament as a contract unless we are
speaking of a last will and testament.
Instead the word is truly a contract between God and man. Jesus was the fulfillment of the terms and
conditions of that contract. Therefore,
if we read the word testament with
that mindset, we will start to see that what took place on the day of Pentecost
is a contractual agreement between us and our Creator, and there is no
provision for returning to a way of life that occurred before the contract went
into effect. This is why when looking at the Bible literally as an auditor
instead of allegorizing it all we find treasures in the depth of God’s word
that keeps us from being taken advantage of. Here is what Jesus himself told us
of this new contract, and it is reiterated by Paul.
Matt
26:27-29 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of it;28 For this is my blood of the new testament{covenant}, [1242], which is shed for
many for the remission of sins.29 But I say unto you, I will not drink
henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with
you in my Father's kingdom.KJV
1
Cor 11:24-26 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat:
this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After
the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is
the new testament {covenant} [1242] in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink
it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this
cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.KJV
In
2nd Corinthians we see that this new covenant is written by Jesus in our hearts
and is administered by Paul and his fellow leaders. Let’s break down this section of 2
Corinthians and see the comparisons between the law and the new covenant. The
law or old covenant blinded people and their hearts. At first it was wonderful, but later people were
given a new covenant where they could understand the Holy Spirit’s freedom.
2
Cor 3:2-17 Ye are our epistle written in
our hearts, known and read of all men:Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared
to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with
the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of
the heart.
You
are our letter that is written in our hearts, that everyone can read, Paul
says. You are the letter of Christ who
we (Paul and company) serve. Christ wrote
a letter on your heart. You were not written with ink that can be erased but with
the Spirit of the Living God. You were not written on tablets of stone, like
the law, but your letters were written on the tablets of your hearts.
4
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:5 Not that we are sufficient
of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of
God;6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Paul
says he has faith through Christ and that he is not sufficient all by himself,
there is no sufficiency without God. And God made Paul and companions able to
minister the new covenant. Not of the
scripture. This word letter is different than the word epistle. An epistle is a letter or
written message, but more along the lines of a note, while a letter is closer
to a book. There are two different Greek
words here for a reason. While a letter can be a written message, the
connotation is it is more like a book or scripture than a note. You are a
written note, written by Christ on your own heart, but Paul came with a new
covenant, not from the book but from the Holy Spirit. The book, or tablets of
stone can kill, but the Spirit gives life.
7
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious,
so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses
for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:8 How shall
not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?9 For if the ministration
of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness
exceed in glory.
The
office (ministration) of death which was written and engraved on stones was
glorious at one time so that the Israelites could not look Moses in the face as
he was so bright from being filled with the Spirit. But that was done away with. Therefore the office of the Spirit is more
glorious than the glory on Moses’ face. The law was the office of condemnation
but in its day it was glorious. Yet doesn’t the office of righteousness exceed
the glory of the law?
10
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason
of the glory that excelleth.11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much
more that which remaineth is glorious.
At
the time the law was made glorious as it was the only thing available but now
it has been done away with and what we have now, the new covenant is more
glorious.
12
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:13 And not
as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not
stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:14 But their minds were
blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading
of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.
We
(Paul and company) speak plainly and we don’t have to hide the glory of the new
covenant. The old was abolished because their minds were blinded, and they
still can’t understand the old covenant to this day. But in Christ this veil is
gone.
15
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.16
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.17
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
liberty.KJV
Even
today when we (Paul and company) read Moses’ books the veil is still over
people’s hearts. But when they convert
to the Lord, the veil will be taken away because where the Holy Spirit is there
is freedom.
In
short, Christ wrote the epistle on our hearts via the Holy Spirit and we are
free from the old covenant. This is why turning back simply does not work; we
would have to put off the Holy Spirit to live under the old covenant. Remember they did not have the Holy Spirit on
the inside until Pentecost. Therefore to
truly live under the old covenant one would have to renounce the Holy
Spirit. That would be a very bad idea,
and as we shall see it is not even a good idea to speak poorly of the Holy
Spirit.
Heb
7:19-25 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope
did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.20 And inasmuch as not without an oath
he was made priest:21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this
with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent,
Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)22 By so much was
Jesus made a surety of a better testament. [1242] 23 And they truly were many
priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:24 But
this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by
him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.KJV
In
Hebrews, the writer says that the law made nothing perfect. Paul goes a step
further and tells us the law entered so that sin would abound.
Rom
5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin
abounded, grace did much more abound: KJV
Rom
5:20 Now the law entered in, that sin might abound. And where sin abounded,
grace did more abound. Douay-Rheims
Rom
5:20 God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But
as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant.Holy
Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable
Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
Rom
5:20-21 All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But
sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive
forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.
21 All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace,
because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites
us into life — a life that goes on and on and on, world without end. (from THE
MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All
rights reserved.)
I’ve
included several translations so that we can see the general idea that is being
communicated by Paul; laws make more sin; whereas grace brings eternal life
through Christ. Now we can understand why people would love to tear the book of
Hebrews out of the Bible. If Hebrews tells us of Christ bringing a new covenant,
and there are some that wish to go back to the old covenant, the only way to merchandise people, telling them to go
back to the law, is to disregard Hebrews.
If
we remember from our previous studies, Melchizedek was Noah’s son Shem. He was a priest, one who taught about the Living
God. Abraham knew him and grew up around him, and then later gave him a tithe
of his spoils. Why? Not just because he
was a priest but because Shem/ Melchizedek had a school in Salem;
Jerusalem. It was among the Canaanites,
and Isaac went there after Mt Moriah. Jesus is a priest in the order of
Melchizedek, meaning he was ordained under that linage, and by that covenant,
which was the covenant prior to the law.
Remember the law was not given until Moses. Abraham, Shem, Noah, and Isaac did not have the
Levitical law, there was a covenant with the Patriarchs of freedom, and then there
was a covenant of the law; now there is a covenant of grace. The Holy Spirit
given to dwell within us on the day of Pentecost is this new covenant that
Jesus is High Priest of, and Jesus is making intercession for us. The old
covenant produced sin but the new covenant produces eternal life.
Heb
9:14-24 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to
serve the living God?15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new
testament {covenant} [1242], that by means of death, for the redemption of the
transgressions that were under the first testament, {covenant} [1242] they
which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.16 For where
a testament {covenant} [1242] is, there must also of necessity be the death of
the testator.17 For a testament {covenant} [1242] is of force after men are
dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.18
Whereupon neither the first testament {covenant} [1242] was dedicated without
blood.19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to
the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet
wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,20 Saying,
This is the blood of the testament {covenant} [1242] which God hath enjoined
unto you.21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the
vessels of the ministry.22 And almost all things are by the law purged with
blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.23 It was therefore
necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with
these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the
figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of
God for us:KJV
Jesus’
blood was far better than calves and goats.
Jesus, a lamb without spot or blemish, was our offering which is why he
can appear in the presence of God for us, interceding for us. If that isn’t something to shout about I
don’t know what is. A last will and
testimony was only good after someone died.
People’s wills were not administrated to the person’s heirs until the
testator died. This is how we gained our eternal inheritance. But Christ didn’t
just die, he rose again. Moses used the blood of animals to seal the covenant,
but Christ sealed the new covenant with His blood. How much more perfect is that?
Heb
13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant,[1242] 21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working
in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom
be glory for ever and ever. Amen.KJV
If
the law brings more sin, and the new covenant makes us perfect in every good
work to do His will, which should we follow?
This is why I love the book of Hebrews.
It is so rich in details of the new covenant, and Jesus our High
Priest. It tells us why we can have a
personal relationship with God. This
book cannot be torn out; only the devil would want that.
Heb
10:28-31 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought
worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood
of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance
belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall
judge his people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God.KJV
How
much worse a punishment would one be worthy of who tramples and rejects Jesus,
His blood, and insults the Holy Spirit.
Ouch. Let’s take apart verse 29.
Sorer NT:5501 cheiron
(khi'-rone); irregular comparative of NT:2556; from an obsolete equivalent
cheres (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally
or morally):KJV - sorer, worse.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Shall be thought
worthy
NT:515 axioo (ax-ee-o'-o); from NT:514; to deem entitled or fit:KJV - desire,
think good, count (think) worthy.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Punishment NT:5098 timoria
(tee-mo-ree'-ah); from NT:5097; vindication, i.e. (by implication) a
penalty:KJV - punishment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Son NT:5207 huios
(hwee-os'); apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of
animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:KJV -
child, foal, son.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance
with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft,
Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
God NT:2316 theos
(theh'-os); of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with NT:3588) the
supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:KJV - exceeding, God, god [-ly, -ward].(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Hath trodden under
foot
NT:2662 katapateo (kat-ap-at-eh'-o); from NT:2596 and NT:3961; to trample down;
figuratively, to reject with disdain:KJV - trample, tread (down,
underfoot).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Blood NT:129 haima
(hah'-ee-mah); of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals),
figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ); by
implication bloodshed, also kindred:KJV - blood.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive
Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
Covenant NT:1242 diatheke
(dee-ath-ay'-kay); from NT:1303; properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a
contract (especially a devisory will):KJV - covenant, testament.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
An unholy thing NT:2839 koinos
(koy-nos'); probably from NT:4862; common, i.e. (literally) shared by all or
several, or (cer.) profane:KJV - common, defiled, unclean, unholy.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Hath counted NT:2233 hegeomai
(hayg-eh'-om-ahee); middle voice of a (presumed) strengthened form of NT:71; to
lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e.
consider:KJV - account, (be) chief, count, esteem, governor, judge, have the
rule over, suppose, think.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Wherewith NT:1722 en (en); a
primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and
(by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation
of rest (intermediate between NT:1519 and NT:1537); "in," at, (up-)
on, by, etc.:KJV - about, after, against,
almost, altogether, among, as, at, before, between, (here-) by (+all
means), for (... sake of), giveself
wholly to, (here-) in (-to, -wardly),
mightily, (because) of, (up-) on, [openly-], outwardly, one, quickly,
shortly, [speedily-], that, there (-in, -on), through (-out), (un-) to
(-ward), under, when, where (-with), while, with (-in). Often used in
compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and
then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and
different) preposition.
NT:3739
hos (hos); including feminine he (hay); and neuter ho (ho); probably a primary
word (or perhaps a form of the article NT:3588); the relatively (sometimes
demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that:KJV - one, (an-, the) other,
some, that, what, which, who (-m, -se), etc. See also NT:3757.(Biblesoft's New
Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
He was sanctified NT:37 hagiazo
(hag-ee-ad'-zo); from NT:40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or
consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:KJV - hallow, be holy, sanctify.(Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Spirit NT:4151 pneuma
(pnyoo'-mah); from NT:4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze;
by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by
implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an
angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:KJV - ghost,
life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare NT:5590.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive
Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
Grace NT:5485 charis
(khar'-ece); from NT:5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act
(abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine
influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including
gratitude):KJV - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy,
liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's
Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright ©
1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Hath done despite NT:1796 enubrizo
(en-oo-brid'-zo); from NT:1722 and NT:5195; to insult:KJV - do despite
unto.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded
Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and
International Bible Translators, Inc.)
These
are very strong words, if one believes the Law of Moses is better, while it had
been sealed with the blood of animals, then one would be considering the blood
of the Son of God common or unholy. Jesus’ blood was much better than
animals. You were sanctified by Jesus’ blood;
you were made holy, purified, and consecrated.
This is not to mention the part about insulting the Holy Spirit. Let’s read the verses preceding this as well
as this section in the Message.
Heb
10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of
the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,27 But a certain fearful
looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the
adversaries.KJV
Heb
10:26-31 If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been
given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice 27 and are
left on our own to face the Judgment — and a mighty fierce judgment it will be!
28 If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, 29 what do
you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made
you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? 30 This is no light matter.
God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite
explicit: "Vengeance is mine, and I won't overlook a thing," and, "God
will judge his people." 31 Nobody's getting by with anything, believe me.
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H.
Peterson. All rights reserved.)
What
is so bad about insulting or vilifying the Holy Spirit?
Matt 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All
manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy
against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.KJV
Blasphemy NT:988 blasphemia
(blas-fay-me'-ah); from NT:989; vilification (especially against God):KJV -
blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers
and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003,
2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Matt
12:31 Because of this I say to you, all sin and evil speaking shall be forgiven
to men, but the evil speaking of the Spirit shall not be forgiven to men.YLT
The
vilification against the Holy Spirit is a big deal. In Matthew Jesus is saying
sin and evil speaking shall be forgiven; “shall be” is future tense, but evil
speaking of the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Therefore insulting the Spirit of Grace is a bad idea.
Heb
6:1-8 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God,2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of
hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.3 And this will
we do, if God permit.4 For it is impossible for those who were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of
the Holy Ghost,5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the
world to come,6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance;
seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open
shame.7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh
unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.KJV
Look
at the list of doctrines that the writer of Hebrews reminds the readers they
should already know. This presumes that
these were not new believers in Christ but believers of Christ who were
struggling with the new covenant and having to put away the old covenant. We
have repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead
and eternal judgment. These were knowledgeable believers, who were
enlightened. Now, how does one taste of
the heavenly gift? When the Holy Spirit indwells in us, we gain a spark or a
bit of the divine within us. These
people were partakers of the Holy Spirit, so they understood the gifts of the
Holy Spirit, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. They were utilizing the power
of the Holy Spirit in their community.
Now if such an individual who has the knowledge and the practical usage
of the Holy Spirit turns away, they cannot be renewed again. One cannot keep crucifying Christ every time
one changes religious practice. Just like the earth, if a farmer gets good
fruit everything is wonderful, but if a farmer gets thorns and thistles, he
burns them up. Again let’s look at the
Message.
Heb
6:1-8 So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ
and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic
foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by
self-help" and turning in trust toward God; 2 baptismal instructions;
laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. 3 God helping
us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with
it!
4
Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the
work of the Holy Spirit, 5 once they've personally experienced the sheer
goodness of God's Word and the powers breaking in on us — 6 if then they turn their backs on it,
washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can't start over as if
nothing happened. That's impossible. Why, they've re-crucified Jesus! They've
repudiated him in public! 7 Parched ground that soaks up the rain and then
produces an abundance of carrots and corn for its gardener gets God's
"Well done!" 8 But if it produces weeds and thistles, it's more
likely to get cussed out. Fields like that are burned, not harvested.
(from
THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.
All rights reserved.)
Here
we have the idea of not turning back in Hebrews.
Heb
10:37-38 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not
tarry.38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul
shall have no pleasure in him.KJV
Just
like I pointed out regarding the teaching from rabbis on polygamy and
mistresses, Hebrews addresses marriage.
Heb
13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and
adulterers God will judge.KJV
Hebrews
addresses foods, that eating a certain way is not profitable, but that we
should be established in grace. Our
hearts are to be established in grace, not diet.
Heb
13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good
thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not
profited them that have been occupied therein.KJV
We
who are established in grace have an altar that those who serve in the old
covenant, in the tabernacle, have no right to come to. We have an altar; isn’t that what the people
who are stuck on going back to the old covenant are trying to attain to?
Heb
13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the
tabernacle.KJV
We
have an altar; no one has the right to partake of it who does not make Jesus
Lord of their life. No one who wishes to follow the old covenant instead of
having a heart established by grace and living by faith can come to this altar.
Now when we look at our Bible’s and read the title of each section, we can keep
in mind the true meaning of what it says, the Old Covenant and the New
Covenant. The Old Covenant is for our learning, and the New Covenant is for our
rule and practice. Auditing the word of
God will keep us from the allegorical deceptions of those who wish to profit
and deceive us. Established in grace, we have an altar.
